Everything you need to know about Jumping International de Bordeaux

Since Thursday the Bordeaux Exhibition Centre has been full of Equestrian sport’s top riders and horses from around the World. I was planning to go in person as it is not far from where I live in Toulouse, but then I planned to go skiing today instead. Then my car broke so I couldn’t do that either! So I think its fair to say I was destined not to go anywhere today. However I still felt that you needed to know about this amazing event. Running from February 7- 10th it is happening right now. So sit back and relax and I will tell you all about it!

Photo credit: Artiste Associé

Jumping international de Bordeaux has a lot to offer. Tonight (Saturday) it will host the penultimate leg of the Longines FEI Showjumping World Cup. Forty of the top show jumpers are competing tonight before the final in Gothenburg in April. I am sure it is going to be an exciting night of competition. I am hoping to catch some of it online, as my favourite french show jumper Penelope Leprevost is competing as well as Scott Brash and Michael Whitaker for GB.

After that this evening is the FEI World Cup Driving final. This is where the six best four in hand drivers compete against each other to be the world champion.

Last night, saw the Devoucoux Indoor Derby. A competition for event riders, the course consisted of 20 jumps in total 12 fixed cross country style jumps at the height of 1m10 including a bank, an eye, some skinnies, corners and a brush fence. There were also 5 showjumps in the course set at a height of 1m30 and course was set with an optimum time. Eventing favourite German Michael Jung won on Corazon.

Photo Credit: HR BRICOT

Another highlight is the `Nuit Iberique’ A show made up of The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art from Spain, The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art from Lisbon, The Cadre Noir from France and a family run circus troupe Hasta Luego. The show pays hommage to the Iberian breed using Grand Prix dressage moves of which the breed excels at and a circus ballet with horses is performed without reins or other forms of restraint! Sounds very cool!

Photo credit: HR BRICOT

There are many other competitions at Bordeaux too. Including the Coupe des Clubs where young show jumpers from different riding clubs in South West France compete against each other.

90 stallions from studs all over South West France are presented in hand or compete in the Bordeaux Young Sires Masters showjumping classes with classes for 7 year olds and 8 year olds as part of the Bordeaux Stallions Show.

There is also an equine health forum, bloggers meet-up, demonstrations, Le Pony Club offer rides for children and there are clinics too!

Photo credit: Artiste Associé

But lets not forget one of the most important things! Shopping! In the Salon de Cheval there is everything an equestrian could want tack, equipment, clothing, saddlery, new technology for horse and rider – whatever your equine discipline you find everything you need here! And of course being in France you will find a fab restaurant or two as well.

I think you agree this just sounds fantastic, and if you do get a chance to go in the future you definitely should! I’m imagining a French non festive Olympia sort of vibe. So, anyone up for going next year?!